The latest on California politics and government

September 24, 2010

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed 76 bills, including legislation making major changes to the horse racing industry, this evening.

Senate Bill 1072, by Sen. Charles Calderon, D-Montebello, will increase the prize pool for race winners and allow consumers wagering on the races to bet on horses to lose under an Internet-based system known as "exchange wagering."

The governor also vetoed 43 bills late Friday. Among the bills killed by the governor were measures to exempt some state workers from furloughs, ban dormancy fees for gift cards and set new safety reporting requirements for ski resorts.

Schwarzenegger signed a bill that would require that youth wear helmets while skiing or snowboarding, but it will not take effect because it was tied to the vetoed the ski resort bill.

More than 600 bills are still sitting on the governor's desk. The deadline or acting on legislation is Sept. 30.